First Psychology blog

Pablo Neruda writes, “You can cut all the flowers, but you cannot keep spring from coming.” Despite winter’s coldness and darkness, there is always the inevitable hope of spring – a season of renewal. As the days grow longer and nature blooms, it offers us an invitation to reconnect with the world around us. Beyond its beauty, spending time outdoors has profound benefits for mental health. Research consistently shows that being in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and foster mindfulness. Spring is the perfect time to embrace these healing benefits and integrate nature into your daily routine: Stress reduction Spending time outdoors can lower levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Studies suggest that even short periods in green spaces can have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to counteract the pressures of daily life. Mood enhancement Exposure to sunlight increases serotonin levels, which are linked to feelings of wellbeing. Natural environments al...

In an era of technology and smartphones, we are experiencing a growing disconnection from our natural surroundings. In fact, we frequently overlook our profound relationship with nature, and the benefits of nurturing that connection. A growing body of research is investigating the positive effects that interacting with nature can have on our overall wellbeing. How does nature impact us? There are various ways in which nature can have positive effects on our overall health. This is based on the notion that humans are a component of the natural ecosystem, and as such they are interconnected with it and affected by it. For example, it was demonstrated that even just the sight of a natural environment from a hospital window can help facilitate a faster recovery. Similarly, nature sounds have been demonstrated to have a relaxing effect and to help with recovery from stress. One theory proposes that as natural environments are less perceptually demanding than urban scenes, they require less ...

Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing as it’s more commonly known, has become a popular way to embrace nature and boost mental wellbeing. Originally practised in Japan, this back-to-nature activity has now caught on internationally. A study published by the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction indicated that it may reduce stress, heart rate and blood pressure, which in turn can reduce the risk of depression, cancer, stroke and ulcers. What is forest bathing? Ultimately, forest bathing involves spending mindful time among nature beneath a leafy canopy where you can disconnect from the outside world and become one with the trees and wildlife. It’s about stepping away from the hustle and bustle, switching off your devices and allowing the forest to heal your mind. Living busy lives in built-up areas can often be detrimental to our mental health and has been linked to anxiety, stress and depression. So it’s important to take time out to de-stress among nature and take care of ou...